Literature by Native American Authors
Literature by Native American Authors
Joseph Bruchac () Bruchac is a writer, storyteller and musician. His ethnic background includes Slovak and English blood, but his Abenaki ancestry has the greatest influence in his works.
Code Talkers: a Novel about the Navajo Marines in World War Two Ned’s life at a white mission school is degrading, but it takes on new meaning when he is recruited to use his native language as a code talker for the Marines.
Skeleton Man Molly appreciates her Mohawk heritage. The traditional stories help her recognize the danger she is in when placed in the custody of a man claiming to be her great uncle after her parents go missing.
Wolf Mark Lucas’ father is missing and the Russian mob is after him. Lucas has the ability to transform himself into a wolf. Bruchac combines multiple ethnic cultures and Native American folklore to create an exciting teen adventure.
Joseph Medicine Crow Crow is an author and a historian for the Crow tribe. He was born on the Crow Indian reservation near Lodge Grass, Montana in 1913. He is the last Crow Indian to become a war chief.
Counting Coup; Becoming a Crow Chief on the Reservation and Beyond Winter Man wants to become a chief. He is given four warrior deeds in order to count coup or “touch the enemy.” He successfully completes them while serving with the United States Army during World War II.
Adam Fortunate Eagle Eagle is a pipe maker, sculptor, author, and Native American activist. He is a member of the Ojibwa Nation (Chippewa).
Pipestone An autobiographical account of Adam Fortunate Eagle’s life as a student at the Pipestone Indian School between the years of 1935 and 1945. Pipestone is portrayed as a caring environment where students were encouraged to excel and maintain their native heritage. The use of actual photographs adds interest and credibility to the story.
Louise Erdrich Erdrich writes novels, poetry, and children’s books. She is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.
The Birchbark House This story shares the culture of the Ojibwa tribe living on an island in Lake Superior. The story takes place in 1847 and introduces us to Little Frog and her life with the tribal family.
The Round House The standards are not the same for Native Americans on the reservation. After his mother was attacked, and little is being done, Joe and his friends decide to search for the attacker. This is a good glimpse of Native American culture but for mature readers.
Joy Harjo () Harjo was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is a member of the Muskogee-Creek tribe. She writes poetry and has released five award-winning CD’s of original music.
Good Luck Cat Cats are said to have nine lives. Harjo shares the antics of Woogie, the cat and incorporates Native American culture in the beautiful illustrations.
Barbara Hay Hay is an author, journalist, and short-story writer. She and her late husband, Ron, formed the first Kateri Circle with members of the Ponca tribe. She lives in Northern Oklahoma.
Lesson of the White Eagle High school students in an Oklahoma community are grappling with prejudice against Native Americans. A hate crime ensues and one of the boys must gather the strength to come to the aid of his Native American friends.
Cynthia Leitich Smith () Smith is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. She writes childrens and young adult fiction.
Indian Shoes This book shares 6 humorous stories about Ray Halfmoon, a Seminole-Cherokee boy who is very comfortable with his heritage whether he is living in Chicago or spending time with his relatives in rural Oklahoma.
Jingle Dancer Jenna wants to dance the jingle dance in the next pow-wow just like her grandma and cousin did. She works hard to carry on the tradition of her ancestors.
Rain is Not My Indian Name Rain is a mix of Native American and German/Irish descent. She resents the prejudice against the few like her in her small town. She agrees to take photographs about the Indian Summer Camp for the town newspaper. She is given the chance to explore what her heritage means to her.
Tim Tingle () Tingle is an Oklahoma Choctaw. He writes young adult fiction. He has also been a guest speaker and featured storyteller across America.
Crossing Bok Chitto Bok Chitto is a river in Mississippi, a dividing line between the Choctaws and plantation slaves. Martha Tom crossed that river using a stone path, looking for blackberries, and found a slave gathering. Lost, she is taken back across the river by Mo, a slave’s son. She visits the church service every Sunday, learning English and teaching it to others at home. It is the stone crossing that eventually saves Mo’s family.
How I Became a Ghost: a Choctaw Trail of Tears Story There is Treaty Talk which means it is time for the Choctaw people to leave Mississippi in the 1830’s. Isaac leads his people with the help of a ghost through the trials and tribulations along the Trail of Tears.
Saltypie In true storytelling form, the reader learns of a time when a Choctaw mother, moving to a new town, was hit with a stone and lost her eyesight. Saltypie is a way of shrugging off trouble that you cannot control. Beautiful illustrations by Karen Clarkson.